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Happy 2018!

I cannot believe we’re into 2018 already. When people talk about 2007 (for example), I want to say that was last year. Or maybe two years ago. It was totally 11 years ago. How. HOW?! However it happened, it did, and we’re into a new year.

We’re rolling into this year with 4 kiddos! Can you believe that I haven’t posted since baby number four entered this world? Here’s a quick update on that.

We had baby number four 9 [freaking long] days late, on August 8. And it was another girl! Our little Gwynn. She’s a sunshine child, just like her big sister was. Super great baby. She spends her days hanging out, drooling, pushing herself around the floor, and napping.She’s 5 months old already. Again, how does time go so fast?

This is obviously not a food post. I haven’t had time to take pictures of food for awhile. I’m lucky if I remember to eat breakfast, let alone photograph it. Y’know? I thought we’d go for a goals/resolutions post. As well as a books-to-read-in-2018 post.

I am actually not a huge fan of resolutions. Mostly because I can’t decide what I’m supposed to resolve to do. And because when I finally do decide, I end up failing. Horribly. Goals sound better. They aren’t written in stone, but they’re something to kind of strive for. I feel like they’re more flexible, and I don’t beat myself up near as much about them.

My goals this year are very similar to the ones I had last year, though maybe a bit more specific.

#WordbeforeWorld Doing some Bible reading before doing ANYTHING else, as often as I can.

Less screen time, more actual reading. (Hence the book list at the end of the post. Scroll down to see what I’m going to try to read!)

More exercise. I’m a huge fan of running. It’s stress-relief for me, and makes me feel like a million bucks. And I missed out last year because of pregnancy and recuperating from giving birth (it takes me awhile to get back in the swing of things) . I love outdoor running, so once spring rolls around – here I come! I’m super excited. Other than running, I’m hoping to do some at home Beachbody stuff with Hubby. We just need to start… The hardest part, eh?

Saying yes to some things, and no to others. I’m figuring out that just because something is “good”, doesn’t mean I need to do it. But some things, I try to avoid doing, but probably shouldn’t.

Work hard, play hard, rest more frequently. Is that even possible? Haha.

I reaaallly want to make a quilt. And finish the sweater I started to knit for hubby. And knit mister Jude a new hat. So I’m putting those down into my goals.

On to the book list. I go through spurts with reading. But I really love to read. A lot. I just haven’t made enough time for it lately. It stretches my brain, reminds me of words that I know (guys, I actually know words that aren’t kid-words!!), plus it’s relaxing. I also read pretty much anything (though I’m a closet sci-fi/fantasy fanatic). This year though, the focus is really on parenting. There are some other subjects included, but it’s mostly mom-related. I have a list of 30 in front of me. I curated it over a couple evenings. Screenshots I had taken of books people of IG were reading, titles from other 2018 book lists, etc. There are 10 that I’d really like to read, and a few that I’ll read, if I’m able. Now, I know 10 isn’t a huge number. I’m one of those people that would read 10 in a month, if I had time. But 10 is more realistic for me right now. Here goes.